Food History

Food is part of our history. It defines us, shapes us, and helps us move forward. I grew up in a "meat and potatoes" family. Using very little seasonings, the food was often bland or uncreative. I don't blame anyone for this because this was how my own parents were taught how to cook by their parents. It wasn't until I was in college that I began to be exposed to flavor, color, and seasonings, all thanks to my well-traveled roommate, Karen. In fact, Karen and I were the subject of a feature article in the Manchester Union Leader that was all about college kids NOT relying on ramen noodles as a sustenance.

When looking at my own food history, I still rely on the mainstays of my childhood. Take for example my mother's homemade macaroni and cheese. She didn't use any fancy cheeses melted in a double boiler, and she did crumble chips on the top. Today, I rely on this mac and cheese for one of my comfortable foods. It just makes me feel loved. Of course, I have added my own variations to it, removed the crumbled chips, and included some veggies, but every time it comes out of the oven, I know that things are going to be OK. My food history has stories too, like the time my father tried to cook mac and cheese but used sweetened condensed milk instead of regular milk. 30 years later, my brother and I still don't let him forget that mistake!

Tonight I will be making cole slaw to go with the brats I purchased at the grocery store. I miss my grandmother's cole slaw, the recipe that I have tried but could never get just like hers. I look forward to Thanksgiving every year, not only to see the family, but also so that I can have her cole slaw. I was unable to attend Thanksgiving dinner at her house this year, and I was very disappointed. I hope I can figure out her secrets. So, instead of trying to duplicate something I couldn't possible master, I am using a different recipe: Apple Raisin Coleslaw. Hopefully, it will become a part of my son's food history.